Disclaimer: I don't own any of the main characters in this story, just needed to work through some missing pieces after I watched season 1 episode 1. This part of the story takes place a little while after the gauntlet all the way into the first few minutes of the very first episode.

Part two summary: Ares backs off after turning our favorite warrior into the suicidal and vulnerable woman we see in the first episode of the series.

Warnings: In my world Xena becomes absolutely in love with Gabrielle from the very first sight of her and there is a reason why Gabrielle touches her lips when Xena is driven from her house by Gabrielle's father's mob.

In the beginning Xena is unfortunately lost in intense suicidal thoughts, driven by Ares the God of War. This is how she climbs out of that deep hole and it was made possible with a lot of help.

If you or somebody you know is affected by this state of mind there is help out here. Don't hesitate to reach out and accept it.

A Deep Void to Fill

By Anelle Lee

I was trapped for the moment by my own indecision. I rode for what seemed like forever but it was really only a couple of hours. The world felt so dull in the face of my memories that it seemed as though it was in black and white. My body was slumped over as my heart ached inconsolably under the weight of my endless miss deeds. It was midday when I pulled Argo to a numb stop. I had come to a startling conclusion.

If anyone was going to kill what I hated most in the world it should be me. After all the wars I've been through no one else has been able to do what I needed now more than anything else. I would have to do it myself. Arrogant I know but still it rang impossibly true in my head full of destruction. This time I didn't bother with taking off Argo's gear. I dropped her lead over a fallen tree and just started walking into the trees. Hoping that I was close enough to Potidaea that someone would take Argo in.

I honestly couldn't take even a second more of my memories. The dull echoes had become screaming entities that circled me. I could see a version of myself with black eyes. It was positively dripping from a thick coat of blood as it stole lives with absolute glee. Everything taking place inside of my head seemed entirely too real; it was as though I was actually reliving the horrible events over. I was so depressed I felt like I was about to implode.

To make matters worse I was so engrossed by the destruction in my head I wasn't even taking in the world around me anymore. Not really anyway. I dropped to my knees in the woody dark dirt, digging a hole with my bare hands. I stood up and began stripping the shiny weapons and then my armor from my body and dropping it carefully into the pit. I was almost done with this world of misery and the thought almost made me smile. I kneeled down once more and began shoving the dirt over the top of my tools. When the job was done I clutched at the earth itself. All I had to do now was put the pinch on myself.

Suddenly a woman's frightened voice pierced through my thick veil of remorse. At first for the life of me I couldn't discern what she was saying. I was shocked as the dense fog rapidly began to subside and the bright colorful world invaded my previously blocked senses. I had to shake my head to honestly hear her. However when I came back to reality she was loudly joined by the sound of warriors and they were coming closer to my position: they were herding some hapless villagers. I got up and slipped into a bush, hopeful that they would just go right by me and I could get back to what I was doing.

'No way! Are those Draco's colors?' A delighted thought filled with shock.

I honestly couldn't believe it when they stopped right in front of me. Even as I took the soldiers in and made my plan I could still see the black eyed woman who otherwise looked just like me endlessly killing people who were helpless to her… Or more accurately helpless to me. I shook my head. Determined to focus on making a decision.

'Okay so I could easily engage with them now or maybe they could lead me back to his encampment. After I take care of the deserters maybe the rest of Draco's army can be worthy to take my life. Of course they have to be nearby. I could always follow their trail back to his encampment and I would hate to let these villagers suffer unnecessarily. Even if I am unarmed. Besides I have the upper hand that comes with a surprise attack.' I smirked, 'Of course it doesn't have to be a surprise at all. Nothing is stopping me from loudly announcing my presence.'

It wasn't until I saw a blond woman who seemed to be the only one struggling against the warriors that my vision cleared and I lost all control of my thoughts and body. When I looked at her the memories of death vanished and when she spoke (although at the moment she was grunting more than speaking,) even my ears perked up to listen intently. The sounds she was making were oddly soothing parts of me that hadn't felt at ease since before I was a little girl. She seemed so full of life where I had none left to give.

'Well isn't she humbling?' encouraged by her will to fight back I thought, 'Alright. I'll go with her instinct, in fact I insist.' my final thought before I really looked at the other frightened villagers.

I almost grinned at the thought of one more fight, 'I'm just going to help her out of this real quick and then I will send her on with her life and I can finally fight my last battle.' Just as I was about to make my move the girl shocked me into stillness.

"Take me and let the others go!" she said, adamantly bursting free from the other villagers who were frozen in abject terror. I wasn't much better. My jaw had slightly dropped in shock when she had pushed the women that were holding her back away and stepped forward.

"Nice try but we'll take you and anyone else we want." the man gruffly said, laughing it off.

The soldier reached out no doubt to shove her back with the others. Only to be swatted away by her swift reflexes. 'Alright so I'm impressed.' I could feel his shock even as I stood this far behind him, or maybe that was just transference from my own immense shock. Let's face it I was beyond impressed at the show of strength and wisdom she so expertly displayed.

I could feel my eyebrows creep into my hairline while my mind chuckled, 'Heroic little spitfire aren't ya?'

The head man said something but all I made out of it was, "It's never too early to start training a slave girl." he reached his hand out for the whip that was already being presented to him.

Finally I came back into my body. Faster than I can ever remember myself being, I lunged forward keeping the woman in my line of sight unwilling to let the moment I was having with her controlling my mind go. Not when the finality of war had finally stopped playing in my head because of her.

I grabbed his wrist holding the whip forcing my attention on the coming fight when all I wanted was to look at her some more. Finding her absolutely fascinating. I waited for him to look back and took in the evident shock on his face when he did. I knew he expected a strong and very large man from the crushing strength being applied to his cracking wrist, relenting he said, "I gotta admit this village makes a tough woman."

I inwardly grinned at the thought of my plan to not be recognized after I'm dead appearing to work. Still my outside remained cold to the touch. My face so far at least has always been reliable to keep my emotions internal where they belong.

He reached for a dagger, nervously stating, "Okay okay. Now we take the gloves off. Start hacking!" It was all I needed to hear to ignite the fire I had lost somewhere down the road of life.

I kicked him four times until he relinquished the whip and was thrown to the ground. Now that I alone held the offending whip I threw it to the ground and began looking at the men around me. 'Will I even get a chance to introduce myself to her before Celeste comes to take me to The River Stix?' Finally taking in the odds I had walked into I took a few steps back away from the villagers and more importantly the woman that the others had called Gabrielle. Hoping to at least give them a chance to get away.

The man got to his feet and addressed the closest soldier to him, "You round up the girls." He grabbed a spear from him and looked back at me. I could see a glimmer of doubt fill his eyes as he said, "We'll take care of this one."

I admit that I had a bit more doubt clouding my own brain only until my eyes settled on the men of the village encircling Gabrielle and the others. Already struggling against their round-up. The thought of her tucked safely behind the farmers eased my mind and I got back in the fight just in time to be attacked. As the fight progressed I couldn't stop myself from sending desperate glances to make sure that she was still alive. With each glimpse I got of her she was fighting valiantly. It made me even more impressed by her.

At some point during the beat down my eyes found her yet again this time she was looking back at me. The power of our connection cut off my lungs from receiving any air at all. To my complete surprise my lips started forming into the first honest smile I've had in ages.

It was an opening my enemies took full advantage of when one knocked me to the ground with the metal hilt of his sword slamming down on my neck. As awkward as I was acting at our shared moment I was almost thankful for the interruption. Still I shook my head trying to get back into the fight. I was honestly dazed from the first time our eyes met. The hit was more of a straw that broke the camel's back scenario. I touched the back of my neck for an injury but found nothing. I was honestly surprised at how little it had hurt and thought it was because of Gabrielle's very presence. Like she had activated long sense dormant adrenaline.

"Not so tough now are ya?" It was when I heard that, that I remembered the blade just under the earth beneath me. My hand instinctively went for it as my eyes watched the men encircling me. Just as the lead guy drew his sword back I pulled my own up and out of the dirt perfectly blocking his downward slash for my head. My other hand found my chakram and threw it just as quickly.

In a burst of energy fueled by a protective rage I surged forward with an angry growl. 'Some boys just can't take a hint can they?' I internally mocked as he was pushed back out of my space for the fourth time.

With wild eyes I scanned the forest waiting for the tell tale sign of the chakrams' quick return. I caught it and held my weapons defensively in front of me ready to continue the battle. I chuckled when I realized the defeat written all over the men around me. I eased out of my fighting stance and reached my sword towards the flinching general. I paused with my steady blade stretched out between us. My smile forced him to consider his fearful reaction before I pulled his colors from his shoulder further degrading his rank in the eyes of his men.

"You're with Draco." I knew the soldiers were most likely already dead, Draco would not let them live past this embarrassing defeat in his name. On second thought he had lost a lot of men recently, "Tell him Xena says hello." I said it loud and proud making sure that everyone heard it, needing Gabrielle to know who I was. I hoped she would understand and run away from me while I was distracted.

Figuring I had given her enough time to make her escape I knocked him unconscious and before his body could even collapse my eyes searched for Gabrielle again. Certain that my name would chase her away I was admittedly looking for her retreating form. The villagers as expected shrank away from my cold gaze, but Gabrielle was different. Not only was she smiling but she boldly stepped forward towards me and away from her villagers.

I watched Gabrielle as the villagers took me in with more than a little distrust. I could already hear my name spreading through the crowd and as it did they all looked at me in scared confusion. Oddly a thing I couldn't see in the blond. I arched a single brow and gave her a small unsure grin, nearly gasping air when her nose crinkled with an easy smile in return. Other villagers began fleeing back to town but not her. No, she seemed to be determined to move closer to me: made evident by the few steps she had managed to take in my direction before a few of the other women cut her off with gentle enough hands on her arms.

"Gabrielle, what are you doing? Didn't you hear her? That is the warlord Xena!" Lila tried to pull her sister back while keeping her eyes wisely placed on the nearby threat I imposed on them. A part of me was ready to run but I was frozen in place by her radar eyes looking into mine. I was essentially helpless.

Gabrielle pulled her arm away showing her impatience with the other villagers with a hot headed glare filled to bursting with her indignation. I was shocked as she stepped backwards towards me. Blindly reaching out to my arm. When she found me my eyes locked on her hand as though it was a deadly cobra ending my life. I wanted to step away from her to preserve her honor because surely she had no idea who I was. All of that washed away with a nervous gulp from me when our eyes came up as one. I was frozen in disbelief for I had surely snapped: brought on by the hands of the fates themselves.

Nevertheless Gabrielle and I effortlessly sank into the familiar feeling of the warm look we were sharing. It was as if she was trying to check on me. Shyly, meeting my own shocked eyes with that full fledged caring smile of hers. Her warm hand sent cascades of ecstasy throughout me as it followed the length of my arm until her hand intertwined with my own. I'm sure I looked like a frightened deer. I could sense she wanted me to let her handle this and honestly I was too fascinated to do anything less. Still trying to convince myself that this whole event was even real.

"The Warrior Princess. I know. Don't be silly, Lila," she chided, leaving me to dwell on the fact that the tiny blond was turning the scale until suddenly it was me being saved and she was the knight in shining armor. To say I was at a loss would have been a real understatement.

She hadn't left my eyes until just now. When she settled suddenly disapproving eyes on each of them. It was like she had never really known any of them at all. I pulled my eyes away long enough to notice that when Gabrielle spoke I wasn't the only one who immediately paid attention. I turned my attention back to Gabrielle, the only thing in the world that made any kind of sense to me.

When Gabrielle spoke again it was with all the disappointment she could muster, "She just saved us from those soldiers. We should help her get some decent clothes. Maybe some food and it wouldn't hurt to give her a place to rest for a minute. Now would it? She could have been hurt. Have any of you even considered asking Xena if she is okay? If you can't understand that then you should leave me to do the right thing!"

My jaw hung open almost as low as the villager's heads were now lowered in shame. I was in awe of the complete change in the air. Most of the others had fled while four others stayed behind but made no move to come any closer. They seemed ready to follow Gabrielle's lead as she turned back to me. Her smile was back and I couldn't help my stare. I'm sure I looked more confused than the villagers had been. I awaited my orders like any good soldier ready and even eager to listen to my commander. Wondering if she would teach me her peaceful ways.

Too fearful to speak I snapped my jaw shut forcing myself to stand up a bit straighter. Though my eyes remained fixed on Gabrielle. I was even afraid to move under her judgment that now meant everything to me. I could feel my heart in my throat thumping as though it was a hammer. I couldn't think past her blue eyes that were twinkling up at me.

"Thank you for helping us. Are you okay Xena?"

Her voice was so soothing her hand feeling so soft on my own I could only nod in the positive as my lips moved as though stupefied. I didn't know what to say. I had a light injury to the back of my head but I had honestly never felt better, "I'll be fine. What about you?"

Gabrielle glanced down at herself as though she had never even considered it. Letting her eyes assure her of the next sentence out of her mouth of which I was helpless but to watch, "I'm okay."

Our eyes met and we couldn't help but fall victim to nervous smiles. I could feel my energy going crazy as dormant emotions and feelings awoke inside of me. I couldn't help but wonder at the complete one eighty she had managed to pull from within me. In a matter of a second taking me from needing to die to desperate to live with her at my side. I felt giddy when she pulled my hand closer to her. I was helpless as my feet stepped forward needing to be where she wanted me to be.

I watched as she took a step backwards in the same direction she was guiding me in. A part of me even slowly realized that she was trying to coax me into Potidaea but still I took a few more steps with her. I looked past her for a moment and saw that the remaining villagers had done the same and began leading the way back into town. I shook my head clearing the fog with one simple thought, 'I was just on the verge of suicide. Who do I think I am to try and drag another person into this life?'

I gasped as my heart bucked with the worst feeling I ever felt. I stumbled in my steps taking at least four and they were badly placed to say the least. She looked at me and I was filled with remorse. I took my hand back and stumbled backwards this time. Gabrielle was quick to turn back to me. I knew my eyes were completely filled with panic. I was lost as my heart pounded. I couldn't breath, her eyes were staring into mine and I felt so ashamed. As harshly and efficiently as she just tore her own villagers apart I could only imagine what she could do to me with a past so intolerable.

I turned away with my mouth hanging open. I could hear her following me, 'Can't she see how dangerous I am? Run Gabrielle you're following a horrible villain!'

Her soft hand was on my arm and my panic filled flee melted into nervous feet set on shuffle. I was unable to stop myself when I turned on her ready to tell her just how foolish I thought she was being. However her eyes melted me in my place, I was helpless to her so I explained with a murmur far from my normal tones, "My armor." I paused, wondering sadly if she would know the reasons why I had buried it in the first place. I took a breath and concluded, "I buried it."

It was at that moment that I saw the wisdom in the younger woman. Her jaw was slack for only a moment before she nodded her understanding and turned to look at the still retreating forms of her villagers; some had looked back but dutifully kept moving forward at the wave of her hand. That is with the exception of her father. Gabrielle turned to glare at him and changed even that. We both stared down the few stragglers until they all left us near the forest alone. Whether it was because they knew I could kill them without much of an effort or that Gabrielle had some kind of control over the others I wasn't sure. Either way when they left I was more than a little pissed at them for leaving the blond alone with for all they knew was a dangerous warlord.

Attempting to turn my irrational anger into worry for the woman's overall safety failed horribly. So instead I stayed trapped between the two warring emotions. I turned to her, "What are you doing?" I ask point blank narrowing questioning eyes on her.

Gabrielle smiled at me, nervously shrugging her shoulders as though she didn't understand herself. Her hand reached out and held my elbow when she answered questioningly, "I'm returning the favor?" in a teasing tone she adds, "Well I'm trying to but you aren't making it easy for me are you?"

Her touch was my fire and she was lighting me ablaze. I rolled my eyes yet again: I really held no control over the sweeping passion I felt, "I mean what are you doing with a warlord in the middle of nowhere?" I gestured in the direction of her people who were now hidden behind the trees, as I exaggerated, "I can barely hear them, you better go and catch up with them."

"I doubt there is anything that they could do if you wanted something," a dark blush flushed her pale cheeks when she added, "Or someone."

'Right 'cause I'm still a monster to the outside world. Why would she know me as anything but a murderer? Maybe I should come onto her? Then she will surely come to her senses and I can get this life over with.' I grinned knowing my intentions better than such thoughts.

Still I needed to distance myself and it was the only idea I could come up with, "Even if what I want is you?" I challenged her with a seductive expression and took a step closer to her. Closing the distance and giving Gabrielle's trembling legs some relief in the form of her other hand holding my other elbow for stability.

Without hesitation Gabrielle smiled even more, before she bravely teased me, "I suppose I am a someone."

'I'm losing face over and over again to an innocent village woman? She's amazing.' I smiled at her before walking away only for her to follow after me. I turned around to stop her pursuit and sighed, "I'm a dangerous woman and your 'friends' are getting further away as we speak." It was with more than a little disdain that I said the word friends.

Gabrielle rolled her eyes then questioned me, "So what are you trying to tell me? That you saved us for yourself? I gotta tell you I honestly don't believe that."

I gave a crazed expression, settling it on her with the intent to send her running for the hills. It was a little less than a growl that I asked, "What makes you so sure of that?" As I spoke I approached her again but she smiled as she confidently stood her ground seemingly unfazed by what has intimidated every warlord I've ever encountered. After getting over my confusion and honestly a little dread. I wondered if I had lost every ounce of intimidation I ever had. Sighing my face softened for a moment.

I stumbled again and came to a stop in front of her. My skin was tingling in anticipation for another of her burning hot touches. I could feel my heart again doubling its speed for her. My head was filling up with a hope that I knew I needed to crush.

"Is your armor in the same hole as your sword was?" Gabrielle asked, though even before she had finished speaking she had walked over to the place in question bending a knee to search the earth to take my armor back out.

Even as my eyes and body followed her every move I was flabbergasted. Wondering how she was able to so effectively dismiss my interrogation and shut me down. I shook my head in an attempt to speed my suddenly slow brain back up to its peak abilities.

"Hey don't you think I buried that with a purpose in mind?" I asked, watching as those hands stilled an inch above the dirt and smiling eyes turned back to me.

"I guess I just figured that it was because you wanted those men to think our village had superhuman women. So they would leave us alone."

I easily admit that I like her answer better than what the reality of it was: besides how could I tell her the real reason. Still I felt compelled to do just that, forcing me to bite my tongue. Those eyes of hers are trouble. When I look into them I feel like spilling my guts. I'm certain that if I did follow that instinct I would ruin her ideas about the world we occupy. She seemed so idealistic. So maybe my silence was the way to go.

Gabrielle pulled back some of the dirt from the hole, but I grabbed her arms remembering just how many sharp things were buried in the seemingly harmless dirt. I am certain that I acted just before she cut herself wide open. I pulled her up and away from the hole, putting myself in front of her. After a quick check of her hands I turned my worried eyes back up to hers. I was startled to see that she looked frightened. I quickly let her go and took a step back. My lungs were acting as though I was in a race at the near physical force of the thought of scaring her. Followed by yet another instinctive stumbling step backwards.

"You almost cut yourself." a muttered explanation from a shameful warrior.

It was Gabrielle's turn to look confused so I dropped to my knees sitting on the back of my feet next to the hole that was now in front of me. Uncaring about my own safety I reached into the dirt myself pulling out my dirty dagger. "It's really sharp. It could cut your finger off before you even feel it."

I wasn't looking at her, instead I stared at the dirt in front of me. I felt lower than low at that moment. I could feel the tendrils of remorse creeping back up around my heart. I don't know why I thought even for a second that I could touch her the way she so easily reached out for me. A sharp intake of air was my reaction to the feel of her soft hand touching my arm. I looked up to see her kneeling next to me.

In defeat my voice was full of sorrow when I said, "You should go home Gabrielle." internally I had to question myself, 'Why did I give her an option? I should just flat out tell her to go home.'

"Only if you come with me." Gabrielle said matter of factly, that convincing smile of hers was back in place on her face, "Come on, Xena. It's wash day at the village. You've helped us out so much already, don't you think the least I can do is get you cleaned up?"

"I don't deserve anything for that Gabrielle. Can't you see evil when it's right in front of you?" I sighed and began pulling my gear out of the ground. I only knew that this place was no longer a suitable location to take my life. I would have to find someplace else.

"There is evil in the world but no one who is evil would do the things you did here today. Certainly not for complete strangers. You risked your life and could have died for us."

'I would have died from the pinch watching as they rounded you all up if you guys were even just a few seconds later.' Still I wanted her to understand that I was nothing but trouble. That I was a walking tragedy and that was all I ever was to anyone foolish enough to get close to me, "If that is what you think then you have seen nothing Gabrielle. I have made a life out of taking whatever I want."

It was her turn to be angry at me, I watched helplessly as her eyes narrowed at me. She took my elbow and pushed me only to pull me back as she angrily spoke, "Xena. What happened to you? I thought you were going to try and fight for the greater good."

'By the Gods why is she so sexy right now! Gods help me but all I want is to feel those hands all over me. Wait a second, who told her that anyways?' Xena blinked and before she knew better argued, "Who ever told you that didn't understand that the God of War is determined to keep me from doing that."

"No one told me that. It's what I saw just now," She gestured to the area where the fight had taken place, her eyebrows high on her forehead, as she dug into the subject with a blinding passion, "You know - When - you fought off Draco for some hapless villagers." She put her hand on my shoulder, and leaned in real close. Sharing what an outsider would perceive as a secret, she said, "As for the God of War, he didn't stop you from doing that now did he?" Gabrielle made it all seem so simple and her adorable gestures were adding to her words remarkably well. Suddenly in my mind I recognized Gabrielle as the greatest advisor I've ever had.

Dismissing my hopes yet again I rolled my eyes and gave a whistle. Argo was quick to come running with her reins dragging on the ground. Making me feel guilty thinking of the many ways the horse could have gotten hurt. Inevitably those thoughts turned to the short woman and the impact a thoughtless warrior could inflict on someone so innocent. I placed the reins around the saddlehorn silently apologizing to the horse. I grabbed a cloth from a saddlebag beginning the tedious task of cleaning my tools of destruction.

"It is not as simple as that, Gabrielle." I sounded so weak even to myself.

"It can be if you are brave enough to let it be." Gabrielle said with a bit of that spitfire attitude, she boldly snatched the rag I had in my hand and one of my arm bands. I let her take it but I narrowed my eyes on her as she delicately cleaned and polished. I sighed: I knew I was giving in. A slow smile spread on her lips making me wonder if she could see her coming victory as well. Finally she settled her eyes back into mine, "Maybe it would be easier if you had someone to help you."

My hands stilled first followed in slow motion by the rest of me until I was frozen in place. I raised my eyebrow taking out another rag from the bag going back to the heavy breastplate. I knew the armor so well I could keep stealing glances at Gabrielle who was currently watching me very closely. Finally I truthfully explained, "If anyone did try to help me they would be traveling with the most hated woman in the known world. That is a very dangerous situation to be in. Which is why I travel alone. Did I mention the part where no matter what I do I will never be able to repay my debt. So if someone were to follow me they would be wasting what little time I have left."

She was hinting at herself and even though I knew that I needed to dissuade her as best I could. I couldn't help how hopeful my heart was feeling at the prospect of having her with me to ease the memories in my head. That is if I was being honest however a part of me had already known that if she really wanted to go I would be helpless to stop her. All the more reason why I should be dead. Suddenly Ares keeping me alive made more sense. Maybe he wanted me to destroy the pureness that is Gabrielle.

I knew from the second that I laid eyes on her that we were destined to be together. If poor Gabrielle also had that insight then she would have had me for but a second only to lose me by my own hand. What a horrible fate to put on Gabrielle. Always knowing what real love feels like and never being able to achieve that with someone again. No Gabrielle deserved better than the likes of me. I put my now shining breastplate down on the ground and picked up my backguard with a sigh. I noted that Gabrielle was still working on my smallest piece of armor but what was clean nearly sparkled as well as bronze can shine at least.

Again I rolled my eyes but this time it was accompanied with a teasing grin, "It doesn't have to be perfect, Gabrielle. What will people think if I show up brighter than the sun? They might attribute it to how I win all my battles. You wouldn't want to hurt my reputation now would ya?"

Gabrielle half panicked, lost all the white in her face and ears to a deep red blush. That is until she met my teasing expression with matching twinkling eyes. Finally she filled my ears with the sound of her honest laughter. Once she composed herself she said, "You were teasing."

"Partly." I chuckled back looking down at my gear with a matter of fact expression. I continued, "Honestly I wonder if there will be any brass left when you're done with it."

"Xena!" she swatted me in the abdomen which to my surprise nearly made me giggle.

Instead I gave another honest chuckle, and in mock anger said, "Hey! That hurt."

Gabrielle laughed again, jokingly saying, "Oh I'm sure." she then shook her own hand, and clutched it, looking at me with increasing worry, "Me on the other hand, ow. What do you have inside there? Rocks!"

"I know. That is what I meant. I do a lot of situps." I took Gabrielle in seeing the growing worry as she clutched her hand to her chest. She wasn't crying but I suddenly needed to see if she was alright. In a move completely unlike me I held my hand out and questioningly said, "Let me see it?"

Gabrielle gave me the hand without a single hesitation bringing her body close to mine. As I examined her hand slowly letting my finger run along each of her bones I swallowed and tried my best not to think about the soothing scent of light lavender. Or the way her hand felt on mine or how it felt while touching my arm or running it's length. How I could only imagine what it'd be like if Gabrielle was so bold to touch me everywhere. Another shake of my head to scatter my thoughts. I tried to force the idea of us traveling around together from my mind or even what it would be like to settle down with Gabrielle on a small farm outside of Amphipolis. Thoughts of her and mother talking at the kitchen table was almost too much to bear.

"It doesn't look like it's broken. Although I think you might have sprained it a bit." I looked around trying to remember the terrain around us. "Come with me?"

On her affirmative nod I picked her up by her hips and placed her on Argo's saddle. I placed the reins over the saddlehorn and jumped up behind her. Feeling her body press into my own against my undershift was visceral. My arm instinctively wrapped around her abdomen and pulled her even closer to me. I swallowed when Gabrielle's soft hands held my arm and hand. I smiled and took the reins in my free hand. Nothing had ever felt more complete and right in my entire life.

"Are you comfortable?" My voice thickened by desire rumbled in her ear. I bit my bottom lip as I felt a shiver run the length of her body.

Gabrielle nodded in the affirmative. I couldn't help myself when I gave a slight squeeze to Argo with my inner thigh, I also picked myself up off of Argo's back just a bit. The act made me feel more than a few pleasurable sensations as my body moved against Gabrielle's. Argo snorted and began an eager trot forward tripling the pleasure as we both bobbed with her gait against each other.

"Oh boy," Gabrielle nearly moaned out, I smiled as I watched her ear turn red before my eyes. A smile that widened upon my lips as nearly a full minute passed before Gabrielle shook her head and after a needy voice clearing cough she offered her explanation, "It sure is high up here. Isn't it?"

"It sure is." I grunted back at her, "Would you like me to slow down?"

"No. I mean - yeah - a little." That blush was back and it was hard to resist the urge to nip her sexy neck when she leaned even further into me.

I pulled the reins back and Argo slowed down to a walk, "I won't let you fall Gabrielle. I got ya." I gave her abdomen a squeeze and watched that sexy blush climb her expressive face.

"I know." I was surprised when we fell into a warm silence and even still the deranged thoughts that had been plaguing me up until I first saw her had still not shown themselves. Instead I was left reeling in thoughts of what could be if she chose to stay by my side.

As the undisclosed ride to the river went on, a question kept creeping around the edges of my head until finally watching her closely I asked her flat out, sounding slightly annoyed, "You aren't worried that I'm taking you away from your village?"

"Not at all. Why? Should I be worried?" Gabrielle asked, with a smile she turned her head to take me in.

"Yes." I adamantly said, feeling a little frustrated that Gabrielle still refused to see the danger she was in just by being with me. Instead of her reacting as I assumed she would, Gabrielle gave a disbelieving expression as though I was just making it up.

'Maybe if I kiss her with all the passion I have for her she would run screaming for the hills!' I thought once more but a part of me suspects that I really would enjoy kissing her. However with her lips so close to my own that we breathed the same air, I lost complete focus on anything else happening around us. Even the topic of conversation slipped my mind for a moment of bliss. I arched my eyebrow at her, doing my best not to lean in for the kiss I could almost taste.

Finally, I question in a defeated tone, "I am a warlord, you know? Responsible for not only the atrocities I've committed but of the men that I molded."

"Actually you are an 'ex' warlord Xena. Past tense." Gabrielle smartly corrected me.

"Is there really such a big difference?" I asked with a matching bit of attitude though it was tampered by my own defeat.

"Yeah actually there is a huge difference. For one you are taking time out of your no doubt busy day just to entertain a silly woman."

"Hey! I'm not an entertainer." I growled playfully. Although I was admittedly feeling indignant at the thought. While I hold no ill will for the talented skill gifted to such precious few. I however didn't need or want to entertain anyone who wasn't Gabrielle. After all wasn't my very soul feeling depraved by my unspent desire to seduce the woman.

"Of course not. That's not at all what I meant. I was just trying to say I feel like I'm taking you away from a world that's desperate for help."

I smiled at the lack of apology I was so used to getting for my playful teasing. I still rolled my eyes knowing Gabrielle was again watching me closely trying to gauge how I was taking her explanations.

"I have honestly never met anyone like you Gabrielle. Aren't you even curious where I am taking you?"

"I'm just glad to still be around you if we're being honest. I've never felt so connected with anyone else." The blush was back with a vengeance and yet my Gabrielle bravely continued, "You're like a breath of fresh air, not many people around here are even partly as educated as you are."

"I've hardly said anything."

"It's in your expressive eyes."

"I don't think anyone has ever described my eyes like that. Usually people can't read my eyes at all."

"Really? That's crazy, they are speaking volumes to me." Gabrielle said inquisitively.

"Must be, because I like you." I said before I could help myself.

"You do?" Gabrielle was all out staring at me now her jaw dropped in hope filled shock.

"Well no one else gets to ride Argo so that should tell you something." I couldn't believe it. My voice sounded as though I was singing. I felt so happy with her held safely in my arms. I looked forward just as Gabrielle was left staring at me, I admit that I lavished under her intense scrutiny.

Gabrielle smiled wistfully, her grip on my arm tightening, "Good because I like you too."

I reciprocated her squeeze by pulling her even closer, feeling her shiver again I asked, "Are you cold or something?"

"Or something. Must be all of that adrenalin wearing off." Gabrielle pondered licking her lips. The look on her face told me that she didn't even believe herself.

"Yeah all that adrenalin." I somewhat sarcastically accepted, but a gentle brush of my fingertips against her rough blouse triggered her body to yet again tremble and I could all but swear I heard a soft moan coming from her lips.

Gabrielle leaned her head back into my chest, her soft blond hair tickling me ever so softly. I almost gasped when I saw her eyes close as though in pure bliss like she had never felt more safe. I looked at her in wonder. On the other hand I had never felt so at ease with anyone like this before. It was like I was finally home.

I never wanted to stop but I knew Gabrielle was somewhat right and the pain of her wrist had to be bugging her by now. I rebuke myself for not offering her the anti swelling and pain herbs. How could I ever keep this woman with me if I couldn't even give her just that little bit of basic care?

Wondering if I was testing her to see how much she was really willing to go through just to stay with me? At this point even I could feel the heated and downright livid scowl I had on. I know if I was honest with myself that I had simply just got caught up in the Gabrielle of it all. No matter because I had never hated anything more than I hated myself at this moment.

"Xena? What is it?" Gabrielle was looking around then back to my face no doubt wondering why I felt like a tense rock all of a sudden. She raised her brows at me in question and I rolled my eyes.

"I'm an asshole Gabrielle. I forgot to give you some herbs to help with the swelling and pain." The admission was easier than I thought it would be.

I moved my hand from her abdomen about to reach for the saddlebag with the herbs only to be pulled back against her. I looked up somewhat confused and when our eyes met I stopped breathing because she looked madder than a mother badger and she was positively beautiful. I tried to swallow the rush of my increased arousal, thinking, 'What is wrong with me?'

"Don't call yourself that Xena!" She was scowling at me now and I had to admit I lost all of my own scowl in turn for an apologetic look. As though she held all the answers Gabrielle informed me quite wisely, "You were riding a hero's high. I've heard those can be really intense."

I had to admit she wasn't wrong, I smiled brightly at her as though she were a genius, "I didn't know what to call that. Thanks."

Gabrielle smiled confidently as she accepted her praises from me. It was more adorable than even I was prepared for. I cleared my throat trying to push away the sudden urge I had to kiss Gabrielle, instead I rolled my eyes and questioned, "Can I get you the herbs now?"

"Well if you insist." she was teasing me with her tone, her eyes were hooded and I felt my heart racing in response.

My hand trembled as she released her hold on it. I reached forward, moving to the saddlebag that held the promised remedy. When my arm grazed her inner thigh we both started breathing harder my hand quickly undid the buckle and disappeared into the bag searching from memory. I almost went straight for it. I thanked whatever Goddess or God that had her wearing a long skirt because I think if her leg had been bare I wouldn't have made it into the bag let alone been pulling it out as fast as I had.

I untied the bag and handed Gabrielle a bit of the powder then gave her the waterskin that was hanging over the other side of the saddle. I quickly tied the bag and put it back in the saddlebag using a single hand to redo the buckle. Finally returning to my original position wrapping around her abdomen and pulling her back against me.

I was just in time to watch her frown and give a slight sigh before licking the powder from her palm. Her grimace only intensified as the acidic powder hit her tongue. I almost couldn't contain my amusement as she desperately chugged from the waterskin. I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing when I saw half of the powder still on her hand.

"Hold on a second. I think I see something that might help with the flavor." I squeezed my hips against Argo's side, silently communicating that she should duck.

"Oh if you have a remedy to this level of nasty I will be your eternal fan for life and the after!" Gabrielle said, looking at me speculatively.

"There are several so feel free to start fangirling at any time." I quipped with a level of amusement I haven't felt for awhile now.

With a smile I pulled my chakram up in front of Gabrielle, not surprised to feel her frightened body collapse into me as her eyes followed my wrists movement as I flicked it towards a thick tree trunk.

'At least I know she doesn't want to die. So why does she keep throwing herself at warlords? But that's not even fair. Is it?' I swallowed and guided Argo off the well traveled path heading towards the embedded chakram in the large tree not far from us now.

As we got closer I smiled up at the large Sugar Maple tree.

Gabrielle would have to be the luckiest woman on the planet if my plan worked. It was still a moon until we were in the throes of winter which is when the sweet syrup is most likely to flow. Although the fact that it was dipping below freezing during the dark recesses of night held a lot of favor for the young woman and if nothing else the beehive hanging twenty feet up would hold the ticket. I took my chakram out, careful not to jostle my precious cargo even the slightest. I had hit the tree at a perfect forty degree angle. A slight pull back and the sharp blade was free. I placed the edge back into the tree and waited a few moments. Before I knew it a dark thick liquid slowly came out and coated the blade.

I wiped the blade on my finger before returning the tip to the tree to collect more of the now freely flowing juice. Finally I held the sticky finger out in front of us proudly inspecting the treat. I had planned to wipe it on her hand but before I knew it Gabrielle's hot mouth closed around my finger nearly making me drop my now sticky chakram on the ground. I moaned softly as she sucked my finger even deeper, I felt my eyes lower until they were damn near closed.

I could feel everything inside of me begin to erupt in unchecked flames. Every other thought vanished and all I could do was stare at her in amazement. Her hand softly gripping my forearm was down right cathartic. I could feel her body so close to me given the fact that all that separated us at the moment was a simple under shift and her albeit billowy blouse. Suddenly I mourned my armor left in the dirt back where I had first met the sexy woman. As she released my finger it dragged me back to a false reality.

Gabrielle was licking the powder again so I quickly replaced the syrup on my finger. This time I was determined to get it to Gabrielle's hand before she could further seduce me, but as I moved in for her hand she instead grabbed my wrist and brought my finger to her lips. Another moan escaped me this time it was louder. I also noted that Gabrielle grunted with approval and I doubt that the lady in front of me wasn't able to read and feel my body as I trembled against her. I wanted more than anything in the world to take Gabrielle from Argo's back and have my way with her. Though fear stopped me dead in my tracks all I could do was sit there and take the no doubt God's given torture Gabrielle was inflicting on me.

After she relinquished my finger she grunted her approval, "Okay you were right. But just so you know I was already in full fangirl mode."

"You don't say? I couldn't tell." I muttered.

Knowing that we still had a ways to go before the river and Gabrielle's relief I replaced my chakram on my belt and my arm back around Gabrielle pulling her close once again. I couldn't stop the smile on my face even if I tried when Gabrielle's fingers once again intertwined with mine. My other hand still holding the reins gave a slight directional flick and Argo made her way back to the path we were on.

I could feel my body still draped in a deep longing. I wondered if this was what it was like to be in love. Had I fallen for the woman the moment I first heard her voice or the very second I saw her, or was it when I met her gaze for the first time. Either way it took only seconds and I fell harder than I ever had before. Gabrielle really was dangerous. I knew she already had complete control over me and I could only deduce that I would be helpless to keep her from joining me if that was truely what she wanted. The thought scared the hell out of me. Maybe that is why my brain tried to drive a wedge between us.

"Well we've been riding for over half a candlemark and you still haven't asked me where we are going." I informed her.

Gabrielle rolled her eyes and sighed but still didn't ask me a thing. Finally albeit slowly I realized that she was making a point of not asking. I honestly don't think she even cared. I clenched my jaw as I remembered her words to Draco's man.

"What would you have done if Draco's man took you up on your offer?" I kept the anger I was feeling from my voice, instead going for curious tones.

"I would have waited until we were far away from Potidaea then I would have escaped."

'Smart if you don't understand the rules.' I scoffed at the idea, "Is that what you are doing with me?" This time I was unable to hide the overwhelming sadness in my tone. 'By the God's Gabrielle has already turned me into a needy little…'

Gabrielle stole such thoughts however when she sat up and turned her body towards me as much as the saddle would allow, our eyes finding each other before she adamantly spoke, "No never. I'm just really enjoying our time together. I feel like if I knew where we were going I wouldn't be able to imagine that we…" she didn't finish but I could see where she was going with the statement. Especially when I took in the hurt look in her expressive face.

"What are you imagining then?" I couldn't help it. I wanted inside of her mind. I wanted to know everything about her. Plus I loved that blush that creeped back across her delicate features.

Gabrielle took me in with a speculative expression. I suppose she wondered at just how honest she wanted to get with me, and hadn't she already voiced her desire to follow me. Finally she took a deep breath and just said, "Xena I know you think it would be a waste of someone's time to go with you but I know for a fact that nothing could be further from the truth. Maybe if I went with you I could help you. I could be like your voice of reasoning and help you with your Ares problem."

I was shocked to say the least she looked so sure of her ability to help me that I even believed her. If anyone could, it was the one person in the entire world that began chasing my bad deeds from my head at the very first sound of her voice entering my world. Unbeknownst to me I had a full tooth smile at the thoughts she was triggering in my mind.

Gabrielle took my stunned silence and ran with it, "There is so much that I could learn from you too, so maybe you could get good karma credit for the good that I do. Since you're taking credit for the men and women who make their own choices then you can take mine as well. I promise to be the best version of me possible." Gabrielle squeezed my hand still firmly clutched in her own making my body pulse with a strong need. Stronger than I've ever felt before.

I cleared my throat and forced my eyes from hers only to sink down to stare longingly at her gorgeous lips, 'She deserves so much better than me. What is she thinking?' At the moment I couldn't even really understand what I was thinking.

"Do you know what I did just yesterday, Gabrielle?" My voice had never been so close to cracking, and yet against insurmountable odds my voice was chilling. Gabrielle turned her eyes back to look at me. Using every bit of menace I had left to try and dissuade her I cheerfully informed Gabrielle, "I buried a whole army alive in a mountain cave. I sentenced them to death with no possible escape and very little food and water." That had to do it. There was no way that my Gabrielle would want to ever touch me ever again. Let alone leave her home with me. I searched her eyes looking for any sign of repulsion.

Gabrielle swallowed, but to my surprise she gave my hand a gentle downright reassuring squeeze still locked in my eyes. She questioned me, "Xena was that the same army that sent you through a gauntlet?" A single eyebrow rose into my hairline, "and started killing entire villages including the babies?" My jaw dropped with unspoken words, "And heading right towards Amphipolis? If you ask me, they were begging you to do something about them. You did what you had to do. Everyone knows Amphipolis is off limits"

I sighed, feeling a bit defeated. All I really wanted was to hold her body against mine again. Finally I nearly begged, "Come on Gabrielle, be honest with yourself. If you go with me you're liable to get killed. Why would you want to risk your life like that?"

"You know what's funny? Last winter was really hard on us back home in Potidaea. I watched thirty of my closest friends die, including our village healer. I was helping him and I got pretty sick after he died. And since there was no one in the village who knew anything about medicine I was left on my own. Really they were all too afraid to help me. I was locked in the hospital for three weeks with three other ill people. I only just managed to keep my sister and my mother alive through it. I did everything I could to stay in the fight for them. Keeping them fed and hydrated. You know I almost died then and I did it all on my own. The world is a dangerous place no matter who you are with. When it is your time to go Celeste will find you. Besides if a little added danger is th..."

"It's more than a little dangerous, Gabrielle." I all but shouted at her and she didn't even flinch, my frustration was so close to boiling. I closed my eyes before sighing yet again. I honestly just wanted her to accept the reality of who I thought I was, softer I reasoned some more, "I'm the most hated woman not only in Greece but the world over. I've pillaged every country I've come across and to my knowledge I've been to them all by land and by sea. If you are by my side you will suffer the defamation of being the woman who chose to stand at their personal demons side. You would have the second biggest target on your back and my bloody past will have painted it there."

Gabrielle pursed her lips in thought, her eyebrows furrowing under a deep thought. She turned away from me and leaned her body back against me. The feel of her body leaning on me once again made me stop breathing entirely. It was absolutely euphoric as I took a deep breath through my nose breathing the woman in. I was beyond certain that Gabrielle had woken up. That this would be the last chance I would have to hold her so intimately. My eyes closed and my arm tightened around her.

'This is it the day the last shed of my sanity will exist. This is the final blow. The final laugh. The greatest joke that ends me forever. If I can't be with her.'

The feel of Gabrielle squeezing my hand ever tighter made me want to kneel in front of her and beg her for her forgiveness. To tell her that I never would have done most of the things I'd done if I had only known that we could have even just been really good friends.

"I sing of Xena: Warrior Princess. A woman betrayed by a village she had sworn to protect. As a young child she had heard of previous villages who had tried to outrun Cortese. Some of the rare survivors who made it to Amphipolis had even seeked shelter at Xena's mother's inn. Xena at the young age of five had first heard one such man tell his story to her mother. He said that they had tried everything to obtain peace with the demonic man. Going so far as to load every cart with everything that had any kind of value to no avail. Not even days later a woman came to the village and Xena heard first hand about how the woman's entire village attempted to escape. They had a whole week of running but even they were quickly caught up with and slaughtered. The several stories of survival had been more than pivotal in her life." it was as if she was there watching me as I had watched my mother from the upper level balcony.

"It wasn't much later when Xena, her brother Lysius, and a few other young villagers began to learn how to fight. Knowing that the world they had been given though largely beautiful had some deep scary scars mired in darkness. As the years progressed they became deftly adapted in the handling of just about every weapon the village armory had to offer. One day a frightened badly beaten woman ran into Amphipolis carrying news that the village was next to come under attack by the ever growing ruthless warlord. As the years had progressed Xena had heard countless accounts about Cortese and his would-be exploits."

"Of those unlucky enough to try and outrun him and of those that stayed and met an evil fate. Only one thing came to mind as something no village had tried. Defending itself. Xena, certain that it was their only option, used her pull with the young villagers convincing them to fight back. The others knew that it was their only hope for survival. So they fought bravely by their young leader who more than proved herself the natural leader. Not to mention an unstoppable strategist. She did what no other army or general had been able to do. She beat back Cortese's forces in under a week."

"As for her decision to stand and fight it proved to be a wise decision because to this day Amphipolis is the only village to actually survive an all out attack by Cortese. Unfortunately during the battle they lost a lot of good men and women. The children of the town's leaders who had passed during the battle made it so that they could not see past Xena convincing them all to fight in the first place. So they turned on the sixteen year old and cast her out of the village even though they owed her their very lives. They had lost too much to be able to see past the ill effects of war."

"That is very well sung. You are a very talented bard, Gabrielle. How long have you been singing?"

"I don't consider myself a bard, but I have been telling tales pretty much as long as I can remember." My modest bard was blushing again and I couldn't keep myself from returning the gorgeous smile that she graced me with, "Do you really like it?"

"I do."

"That is why I think I would be an asset to you. Maybe with you I can become a bard."

That giddy feeling was back again, I had to admit the idea was brilliant, the ruse of her being a bard would change the narrative completely, "Another genius idea from Gabrielle of Potidaea."

"Right! I can help change their hearts and how people think of you. Then hopefully they can see the good in you that I always have."

Taking Gabrielle with me was all I really wanted but my mind, always thinking of the consequences, chirped up, "And what of your parents?"

Gabrielle leaned back into me with a huff, "I'm twenty-four years old Xena. I've earned the right to make my own decisions. Whether they approve or not. It is my dream to travel with you. To write for you."

"And if they feel differently, what if they lock you in a room? What would you do?"

"Xena don't be.." she sat up and glared back at me, a look that dissolved under my playful grin and dancing eyebrows.

"I've seen worse. Have you ever heard about a Princess named Rapunzel?" I teased the bard, immensely enjoying the nourishing conversation.

Gabrielle adjusted excitedly, she licked her smiling lips realizing the mind game I was attempting to play with her. A challenge seeker after my own heart appeared before my very eyes, "Easy I'd break the window."

"You don't think they would be watching it?"

"If they were, I could always run. I'll have you know I'm pretty fast."

"If it was me who had a daughter that was threatening to leave with the Destroyer of Nations. I would be in front of any exit available, boarding them up and that includes any windows. Doing whatever I possibly can to save her including the use of rope. In fact I doubt I'd ever sleep again."

Gabrielle laughed at the rope bit but not before shyly adjusting in the saddle, "Well who says they would even have to know."

She grinned as she returned to the warmth of my body with her own, "Yeah, you know. I could just sneak out in the middle of the night. I sleep in the living room so it would be easy enough. The front door is only a few steps away from my bed. I could go and get some of my things, maybe just a bag with a few of my scrolls and I can't forget a quill and the ink well. You know I've always traveled light." I rolled my eyes and smirked at the obvious lie at the end.

"That's really all you would need huh?" I quipped thinking, 'No blankets would be her biggest hurdle. I won't even mention the lack of water on her list just to name a few problems.' I wouldn't be surprised if this ride was the furthest my bard had been from Potidaea. Made obvious by the squirrel-like attention span she seemed to have between me and the world around us. Plus she's just not a great liar.

"And how would you find me again? Can't just keep a big bad warrior waiting under a tree with a bush now can you?"

"Maybe not a bush but I know another maple tree that you can see from the house. It might hold the sweet tooth ticket for you to wait for me. Besides…If you leave me I will just follow after you."

In a moment of melancholy fueled by skepticism, I ask, "Why are you so determined about this? Don't you know you deserve a lot better than a busted warlord?"

She looked back at me this time only moving her head, "I don't belong in Potidaea." Her smile was captivating when she said, "I do belong with you 'the Warrior Princess' and I think you know that."

The confident statement is a bold confirmation that Gabrielle was at least feeling our connection. I squeezed her tight, sending up a silent prayer for Gabrielle. Knowing that if her fate was truly tied to mine then her life would be wrought with turmoil. Everything inside me pleaded to admit that I could feel it too but the fact that I would get her killed weighed so much heavier that my lips became near paralyzed. I cleared my throat and tried to hide the war being waged inside of me from the woman.

As the silence continued I started to take in the world around us. Unable to help myself I noted that the world indeed seemed better with color. The sound of the wildlife is more cheery. The scents are more pleasant. The feel of the very world even seemed to be enhanced by her mere proximity. I was but an empty vessel going through the motions of life until I saw her standing in front of her villagers willing to fight for them as I had once stood in front of my own village.

Another thought hit me as we made it to the river. Even though we had both been silent for the last half a candlemark. The demons of my past had yet to reappear to resume their torture. Somehow even now they were driven from my thoughts. I know it was due to the remarkable woman I now held in my arms. The thought of leaving her behind was the hardest thing I have ever undergone and that is really saying something. I pulled Argo to a gentle stop near the river's edge.

"Hold onto the saddlehorn for leverage while I get down." as I spoke near her ear I noticed that Gabrielle's body again trembled. Her breathing and even her pulse picked up speed almost as though she was running from a lion.

I would say it was fear based on the context of what I had said rather than the hope of her being aroused if not for her clearing throat or almost whispering, "What?"

I smiled and licked my lips before repeating myself, adding as an afterthought, "Don't worry Gabrielle I'll help you down."

I got down letting Gabrielle pull her leg over so they dangled over the one side. I paused when our eyes met and we smiled shyly at each other. As though she would crumble I ran my hands softly and slowly up the sides of her legs until securing an adequate enough grip on her hips to safely lift her up out of the saddle. I nearly groaned at the feel of Gabrielle's warm hand clutching my shoulders or the way our bodies slid across each other on her way down to the ground. It was my turn to clear my throat before speaking, "How is your wrist?"

"It still hurts a bit but not really." She offered me her hand which I accepted. It was a battle to get my eyes to focus on her wrist and when I did I noted that the herbs had done their work remarkably. The swelling was already none existent and she seemed a lot more at ease.

Before I could stop myself I teased, "You know next time you hit me you might want to try and keep your wrist straight. You know. To avoid this in the future."

Gabrielle's smile lit up the world even more as she asked a logical question, "So you think there will be time for me to do it again huh?" She was almost hopping up and down in her excitement.

I grinned and rolled my eyes. Suddenly, I noticed that I was holding her hand clasped within my own. Not wanting to give it up or admit that I had dragged her all the way out here miles away from her village for nothing more than to spend just that much more time with her. To have the excuse to have ridden so comfortably with her pressed up tightly against me.

"Come on then. Let's put this in the water. It will help you even more with the pain and swelling." I kept her wrist in a steady grip making sure it wouldn't move while my other arm snaked around her lower back. I reasoned that it was because I didn't want her to slip and cause even more damage. Although even I knew I was full of it. Gabrielle for her part leaned on me and let me guide her to the river's edge. I suppose she had her own reasons to let me hang all over her.

"So what? Should I just go in the river?" Gabrielle asked, as she looked at the fast river before us.

I chuckled at the worried expression on her face and rolled my eyes in amusement, "Gods no. You'll catch your death, just the wrist and unfortunately your hand."

Gabrielle took a deep breath and met my eyes for reassurance, she partly made the movement to kneel next to the water but instead came back up to her full height and nervously reasoned, "Actually Xena. You know what? I'm feeling a lot better now. Maybe I don't need to freeze my hand off."

I laughed at the woman yet again before guiding her to sit next to the water with me, "I would never let that happen Gabrielle." I tested the cold water with my own hand to show her that it was okay.

My hand still dipped in the cold water. I looked expectantly over to her. Gabrielle took another deep breath and sank her hand and wrist next to my own. We locked eyes sharing in the pride for Gabrielle's brave actions. I could feel my jaw dropping slightly as I noted how we were all but in each other's face. My intense desire to kiss her yet again makes my heart pound. Does she know what she is doing to me? What are the chances that she was doing this all on purpose? Better question, why would she want to leave with me? I swallowed. A small part of me was starting to wonder if Gabrielle was endangered by her home life. A thought that would only grow with time.

After a few chilling minutes I gently took her by the hand and brought it from beneath the water. Seeing that Gabrielle no longer jumped in fear at me initiating contact pleasantly surprises me. I smiled and licked my lips inspecting her hand and arm once more. Letting my hands explore her arm further than necessary. Seeing that her incredibly soft hand was looking immensely better I sighed in relief.

Making a decision that I probably shouldn't have, I began to massage her hand. It served the purpose of loosening the tension caused by the injury. The problem was the way Gabrielle reacted or more over the fact that I couldn't keep my eyes from the study of her seduction. That makes the blond's eyes slowly become hooded. She gasped before a small but sensual moan left her lips. I was hooked as my stomach clenched with my strong desire for her.

"That feels amazing." Gabrielle panted her shy explanation as she gazed longingly into my eyes, beckoning me forward to those sensuous lips of hers.

I smiled warmly but I just couldn't think of a response of my own. Instead I concentrated on her soft hand. Applying a little more pressure and receiving instant gratification by getting another of her moans that traveled a bolt of lightning's path rushing through the length of my body. I looked into each of her eyes and was taken aback by the wanton desire I see within them. Her lips were parted and her chest was heaving. She looked like a hungry animal and I was her prey.

I never wanted anything more in my life so I had to shake my head in the negative. Doing my best to hold myself back from her. In my head I could see myself taking those lips with as much passion as I was capable of. I could all but feel her soft hands touching my body so when I felt her warm hand on my leg just beneath my wardress I grunted in ecstasy. I hoped that it was hidden behind her own panting. I looked down at her hand as her thumb began to caress my inner thigh.

She was making my body tremble already so I closed my eyes doing everything in my power to try and calm my racing heart. Gabrielle must have taken that as an opportunity because the next thing I knew Gabrielle's lips pressed against my own making me moan as I instantly captured her bottom lip. My hands abandoning everything else to cup her face urging her to tilt so I could deepen the kiss.

Gabrielle's body moved closer to my own as her soft hands ran a fiery trail from my wrists down my trembling arms. Moving delicately they ran down my sides until finding rest on the small of my back. Lost in overwhelming need I happily allowed for her slow teasing lips to guide our kiss. Metaphorically she lifted me high up and into the sky: It was like riding as a Valkyrie all over again only so much better because she was there pushing me further over the steep edge of ecstasy and soaring off with me. Best of all instead of a Valkyrie's steed it was her body that lifted me high up into the sky.

I had indulged her kisses helplessly throughout the next few hours. Our hands on each other's bodies had teasingly explored nearly every inch of the other. Carefully avoiding areas that would have carried us into the next level. That is until I saw that it would be dark soon. I was well beyond sanity and filled with desperation and yet I pulled away. Noting that we were both breathing heavily I smiled warmly at her though it was hampered by what I must do.

"It'll be dark soon. I should get you home. I still have to show up in Draco's encampment or else he might attack your village again."

"Xena I'm going wit!…" I stopped her tirade with gentle fingers on her soft lips.

"I can't bring you into the heart of an enemy base. If you get hurt…" I couldn't look at her, let alone admit my worst trait to her.

Unable to continue out loud I thought of it instead needing the reminder, 'I become someone else when I lose certain people.' I touched her soft cheek and I couldn't help but to continue, 'If you die the world will surely be annihilated by my vengeful hands.'

I turned away from Gabrielle and whistled for Argo to come back from her graze. Argo quickly complied, rushing over and presenting her side to us.

"Come on Gabrielle." I helped her up before taking my place behind her. Unable to stop myself I snuggled in behind her.

Argo as always was great at reading my emotions and walked slowly back towards where I had left my armor. As the peaceful ride continued I kept a vigilant eye on the world around us. I was determined to keep her safe by any means. At the same time I was absolutely hypnotized by the woman who had so easily fascinated me. She seemed quieted in her clear disappointment at being left behind. I wish I was better with words so I could better explain my decisions.

Her blue eyes fluttered closed as though she didn't have a care in the world. Gabrielle snorted with a bit of laughter as it seemed sleep easily claimed the woman, 'Okay. Label me seduced, Gabrielle. You might be the bravest person I have ever met.' I held her close as I felt my cheeks starting to hurt from the countless no doubt blinding smiles she has been drawing out of me today.

I took another deep breath still indulging in her sweet scent. I slowed Argo even further wanting to let the woman rest as long as possible from the no doubt long day. Even if we were only thirty minutes away I knew that it might help if she woke up refreshed. Maybe then she could see reason and stop trying to join my doomed suicide mission. As I continued forward I couldn't help but to stare at Gabrielle's features. I wanted to remember every detail.

It must have been five minutes of her peaceful slumber and my continued study of her when things started rolling swiftly downhill.

Without much notice Gabrielle ground her body further into me with a deep moan that ripped through my body as though it was a lightning bolt. At the same time her arms began to move determinedly pulling mine further up her stomach. She even grabbed the hand that had once been holding the reins but I had dropped them out of shock.

Argo snorted at the loss of rein control but a quick squeeze of my undoubtedly confused thighs had her continuing along the path. I swallowed trying to wrap my brain around what was happening. Gabrielle's skin was hot as though she was burning from the inside and my hand quickly warmed to the feel of her wrapping me even more securely around her. I growled with want as I pulled her onto me.

Her neck turned to me as though she was offering it to my hungry mouth. At the very least she was taunting me with her delectably rapid heartbeat, and making me lick my lips. Gabrielle adjusted again her body stretching against me in the most delicious ways. My wrists still held securely in hers as she found their way inside of her blouse using me to touch her surprisingly rippling abs. My own stomach was clenched with overwhelming desire. I had to stop this before it went any further.

"Gabrielle Lee!" I had meant to growl but it was instead nothing more than a needy whimper that escaped my lips.

"Yes, Xena!" Gabrielle moaned in response, her hand reaching behind my head urging me to lay claim to the pulse in her neck, my mouth nearly drooling at the aspect.

"What are you doing?" This time it was a growl filled with my complete desperation. Her hands trembled against my suddenly immovable parts, as though she was second guessing herself.

Gabrielle turned and met my eyes. The sight of her lust filled my body with a hefty dose of my own. Adding to the fire she had already ignited inside of me. Making me wonder if she had ever really slept at all. I wondered if she even knew the consequences of coming onto a warlord.

"It's just…" Gabrielle shrugged her shoulders. Wiping at her cheeks because that blush of hers was back again this time with a vengeance. I could feel the fire coming off of her face and neck in hot waves, "You feel really good. Literally everywhere you are touching, even just your breath on me makes my whole body come alive. I've never felt anything like it."

My eyes closed as I felt my body trembling against Gabrielle and her beautifully elegant speech. It was all I could bear when I felt Gabrielle's soft lips touching my own. I opened my eyes in disbelief just as her hot hand cupped my face. I got lost in seconds letting my eyes flutter closed and slowly began to move my lips against hers once more. Taking my time to tenderly suck on her lower lip. I could feel her body as she tried to turn even more in the saddle. As one we let out a soft moan the sound cascading through our bodies.

I don't know how she had convinced me to go inside her home with my armor in tow by several of the village women. But her father storming in with the other villagers was my cue to leave. As I gathered my belongings I couldn't help but to steal as many glances in Gabrielle's direction as I could. Silently pleading for her to follow me. I left the house and closed the door softly behind me.

From that moment on the world began to fade as the echoed screams began to return as though from a great distance. I swallowed and turned around. The men of the village staring at me from either side of the worn walkway vividly reminded me of the gauntlet I had just undergone. As the memories of it flashed before my eyes I squared my shoulders and walked over to Argo who waited at the end of the men.

Making it to Argo at least physically unscathed I looked back to see Gabrielle was staring at me from the open door. I smiled at her and she returned it with a wave and that beaming smile of hers. A brief reprieve that would soon dissipate for the return of the dark void. I climbed atop Argo maintaining the eye contact my entire being now craved.

I hesitated for a minute more than I should have. My whole body silently screams for Gabrielle to leave the safety of the doorway and run to me. Visions of her letting me pull her up and ride away with her infiltrating my desperate brain. I really didn't want to settle back into that dark gray cloud. Seeing that she stayed I sadly looked away from the world of color once and for all.

After I left Potidaea I made a pass through Draco's encampment, wiping out the last of my army and warning him away from the village and the woman I missed more than I could bear. After I was done with all of that I had circled back to Gabrielle's house. Under the cover of darkness I had watched from a distance as she had dinner with her family. She seemed so exuberant as she held the table in fascination with her tales.

Every now and then the woman would go silent. When she did she looked out the window and touched her lips. No doubt to ease the sensation of my lips lingering against her's as her's was doing upon my own. After the family had finished eating the women of the family cleaned up the table and dishes while the father had turned in. Once everything was cleaned up the women also made their way to their beds. Eventually all the candles were snuffed until I was left staring at the darkened house.

My heart raced yet again as I scanned the house for the next hour hoping to see Gabrielle sneaking out of the residence. When nothing happened and my hope had dwindled back down to nothing I sigh and get back on top of my warhorse. Weakly I took one last look at the sleepy looking house. I guided the horse a short distance away. Feeling entirely sapped of energy I made quick work of getting Argo ready to bunker down for the night.

Finally I had the camp set up. I fell down hard on a fallen tree trunk. Getting lost in the colorless flames I had made. All around me the only thing in color was the countless deaths I have given to the world. No matter how hard I tried to think of the blond I could not for the life of me summon her image in my mind. I put my head in my hands and began rubbing my face.

'I don't deserve her and she certainly does not deserve me with all of this baggage.' I took a deep breath before lowering my hands and angrily meeting the black eyes that were haunting me. 'It's all her fault!' I arched a brow and fully embracing the crazy inside of me began starring the unflinching entity down. Keeping my eyes open so long that tears filled my eyes before I fiercely closed them both.

I could feel a stream of tears suddenly burst free. First from one eye and then the other. I tried to blink them away thanking the Gods that they were at least silent. It had been forever since the last time I cried. Just before I crashed hopelessly to my knees to give into my desperate sobs I heard a distinct set of steps coming into the trees. I listened intently as I wiped off my face.

I heard a sudden crash followed by a quiet but distinct, "Oh… shit!" it took everything to not run to her aide.

My eyes widened in delight, I could feel my heart swell and my jaw dropped, 'She is here.'

I heard a few more crashes as the woman stumbled around in the dark underbrush behind me. It was hard to hold back an anxious chuckle because right behind me was a thick bush and I heard Gabrielle's feet shuffling on the other side of it.

'She is either the worst assassin to date or she is going to get herself killed, especially if she keeps chasing after dangerous individuals in the middle of nowhere. Laying kisses on the fortunate warlords she runs across no less! I have seen similar instances of this and it always ends badly.' Deciding to blow her cover without even looking in her direction I growled in mock anger, "Gabrielle."

"Hey there, Xena." Gabrielle entered into the light of the fire smiling cheerfully and looking as beautiful as a goddess. I swallowed my nerves as she set a bag beside my own gear and came to sit next to me on my fallen log, "I had to be sure that everyone was asleep at the house. Then when I finally got here I was afraid that you were asleep too. You were being so quiet. I suppose you are alone though so if you had been talking it would be weird. I also couldn't hear you moving around either. In fact if it wasn't for the light of your fire I never would have found you. Did you pick this place for that reason?"

'She is really good at talking. By the Gods I love the way her voice sounds. She could fill my ears with it forever and I would die so happy that I would carry it clear into my next life. It's the way she speaks. Her tones and body language work really well together. She could be a really good bard if that is what she truly wanted.' I silently watched her trying to decide my next steps. Honestly I was again too afraid to move let alone relieve the woman's obsession with dangerous women. No matter, my silence was soon filled with her wonderful voice filling the space between us.

"I know what you said about not thinking about it, but I can't do anything but think." Gabrielle's hand touched my thigh drawing my eyes to her hand, it lasted for only a moment before those lips of hers were moving again drawing my attention back to her face, "I did tell Lila my intentions to leave with you; it was the only way to keep her quiet… We shared the same room. Well technically it is the living room as well. I woke her up when I tripped heading for the door."

Unable to help myself I cut her off, "Gabrielle… Do you have some kind of family trouble or something?"

"Gods no, Xena! Is that really what you think?" she squeezed my thigh that is still trapped under her warm hand, "My father, mother, and sister are the most gentle people you'll ever meet. No, they are far too dull and ordinary for something that exciting! The reason I want to leave is pretty simple, I have ambitions. I want to be more than just another housewife. I want to see what else the world has to offer. I want to swim in the world's lakes, and rivers. I want to climb the mountains and see the desert. I want to talk to strangers and see huge cities. But more than anything I want to do all of that with you!"

I pursed my lips and narrowed my eyes at her, trying to tamper the insane feeling of true happiness. A feeling that I had very little experience with. No, this was not my world. Mine was a world filled with darkness and devoid of humanity. It was not a happy place where dreams come true. I looked around suspiciously. Wondering when the other shoe would drop but nothing happened.

"Look, I'm too tired and hungry to take you back home right now. You can sleep here tonight but tomorrow…" my voice cracked when tears filled up Gabrielle's eyes, for the life of me I struggled to get the next part out, "You will have to go home." I could feel my heartbreak growing in complex waves.

Gabrielle turned forward taking a deep breath while blinking away her tears. She stood up taking another large breath. She turned towards her bag and while she walked over to it she wiped her face dry with her blouse. With the bag in hand Gabrielle took several calming breaths before turning with it clutched tightly in her hands. When she turned around her face was set in determination and even a small smile.

I admired her perseverance as she walked back to me with an excited challenge accepted expression. My eyebrow arched in suspicion. I swallowed and adjusted, nervously wondering what was in the bag. Feeling a little relief when she finally sat down next to me this time she was so close that her arm and leg pressed naturally against my own.

"You reminded me that I packed a dinner for you." Gabrielle said, after digging into the bag she pulled out a bundle of food and handed it over to me with a smile, before adding a stipulation, "We can figure the rest out tomorrow."

I looked at the food bundle and figured if it was poison so be it. I licked my lips.

My nose had already been exploring the realms of the wonderful smelling food pretty much from the moment the bard stepped into the forest. I was honestly really hungry and if Gabrielle wished to kill me then I would indeed want to be dead by her hand. After all, wasn't she the only reason I still allowed myself to live any longer in this world.

"I kept it warm in the oven and very nearly forgot it on the way out."

I smiled in appreciation before I snatched the food and quickly opened it. Smiling when I felt that it was even still warm. I really didn't make it very far from the woman's house. As soon as I had it unwrapped Gabrielle was reaching in and taking a chunk of cow steak, quickly popping it into her own mouth and squashing the poison theory entirely.

We smiled at each other while she chewed and I dug in as well. Happy to share an evening meal with the woman next to me. It was the same food that Gabrielle had moderately enjoyed with her family and it tasted really good. Far better than what I was able to imagine while they had eaten themselves.

'If she made this I might not be able to give her back.' I thought along with my careful study of her facial features.

I smiled when I noted that Gabrielle carefully chewed each bite and she was almost as hungry as me.

After I grunted my third groan of deliciousness overload she asked, "Do you like it?"

"Even better than mom's cooking." Realizing the truth of my words I looked up in awe at her from the food with a bit of caramelized sauce on the sides of my lips. I grinned at the feel of her soft thumb wiping it away. My jaw fell when without thought she licked it from her thumb. I stared as her tongue slowly cleaned her thumb. I was lost in arousal when she turned to look at me, my questioning expression was immovable.

Shrugging, she explained, "The sauce is the best part."

"But that was my sauce." I whimpered jokingly, "I was saving it for later."

Gabrielle smirked before letting her hand rest on my back holding me in place for when her other hand took another chunk of meat and rubbed the sauce on either side of my open amused mouth. I was very much shocked. Gabrielle however sat back and softly chuckled at the site of her brazen graffiti. After she recovered from her own joke she popped the meat in her mouth.

I chewed my food still in my mouth once before I grabbed another large chunk of meat and with a serious expression began to slowly smear it across Gabrielle's stunned face and across her lips. I laughed thinking that that would be the end of it, I also ate my chunk of meat. For a few seconds we smirked and challenged each other playfully with our eyes. Gabrielle backed down before things escalated into a full blown food fight.

We continued eating for a while and when we started slowing down Gabrielle pulled out another item from her bag when she unwrapped it a sweet aroma filled my nose brought by the waves of warmth still coming from it. I watched as she pulled at a section of the side and the sticky bun broke off in near perfect symmetry.

She broke it in half then handed me the bigger piece and watched as I ate it. My eyes rolled into the back of my head. Letting the heavily iced cinnamon roll melt in my mouth with a pure moan of unchecked desire. I looked over at her as she slowly ate her chunk than to the food in her lap.

"I'm full. You can finish it." Gabrielle was beaming when she held it out to me, before savoring the rest of the sweet in her fingertips.

"Are you sure?" I was excited, sweets are such rare and precious things.

"Of course." I watched her eyes with a smirk, they were glued to the roll, and her tongue was peaking out of her mouth as though she was trying to taste it in the air. She broke my brain when she began sucking on the icing on her fingers.

"Well I can wait until you are hungry again." I said, beginning to tie the fabric back around it.

"Okay we can eat it now." Gabrielle said happily, putting her hand over mine to halt my progress, "I call it a roll." Gabrielle said with pride, as she watched me open it back up.

We ate the sweet roll bite for bite as though it was a competition. Halfway through it I finally asked, "Did you make all of this?"

Gabrielle blushed shyly, "I did. I wanted to show you a little bit of my worth."

I looked away thoughtfully, 'That settles it. She is coming with me!' I smiled at the renewed thought of having Gabrielle by my side. How it made me feel absolutely giddy.

After we finished the sweet roll I felt absolutely stuffed and fully at peace with the comfort I was receiving from being in her sweet presence. For a few moments we sat around stealing shy glances at each other. When Gabrielle lifted her hand and started to move it towards my leg I stood up and moved to my bedding.

Over my shoulder I said, "I'm going to turn in. You can set up your bedroll wherever you want."

On her gasp I froze, dreading the inevitable answer to my next question. I opened the bedroll and climbed into it laying on my back on the very edge, ensuring that Gabrielle would be on the warm side, "You didn't bring one did you?"

"I didn't even think about it." she took a fast brave breath.

I got up on my elbows and acknowledged her clear embarrassment, seeing the opportunity I questioned her, "Do you want me to take you back home? You can sleep in your bed and forget any of this ever happened."

"I literally could never forget you." Almost convincingly Gabrielle quickley said, "I'll be okay." she even moved to actually lay down on the ground.

"Come here, Gabrielle. It'll be tight but we'll make it work."

Gabrielle smiled brightly and jumped at the chance, not wasting any time she snuggled in close to me, placing her smiling face on my shoulder. One of her legs stretched along the length of my leg while the other draped over them and her arm wrapped tightly around my abdomen. After I regained minimal control of my wild heart and ragged breathing I sighed and wrapped the blanket around the both of us. After only a moment's hesitation my arm wrapped around her back while the other held her arm on my abdomen.

"I learned so much today. I think I…"

"Gabrielle."

"Yeah."

"Go to sleep."

Gabrielle lifted her head and no doubt looked at me in frustration. I was almost tempted to open my eyes just to be sure. I heard her sigh in frustration before laying her head on my shoulder. I smiled as her eyelashes blinked across my skin for a few listless moments. I could feel her restlessness as her body twitched nervously.

"Xena."

"Mmm. What?" I knew I sounded irritated but I was so damn tired, and I felt so good wrapped up in her arms and legs.

When I felt her lift her head undoubtedly to look at me I helplessly opened my own to catch a glimpse of her eyes once more, in the light of the fire and at this proximity I was shocked to see that they appeared emerald green. It caught me completely off guard. I swallowed as I felt myself getting lost in her. I felt intricately exposed to my vulnerability.

"I need you to know that I will never want to forget the time we have spent together. I'm going to cherish every second of us."

My lips parted, drawing her eyes to my lips. Almost gasping at the feeling of a shared trembling racing between us. I froze as the woman began to lean forward, drawn closer to my mouth, our bodies melding tightly just as her lips brushed across mine. A simultaneous moan and just like that the fire from the river returned with a vengeance. A major difference being the control I had kept firmly over my desire was clearly absent. Leaving me desperate for whatever my Gabrielle wanted to give me.

When she pulled back our eyes were hooded searching the other for any sign of rejection. A thing neither of us displayed in the least. I placed a delicate hand on her cheek as though she would break slowly moving in for another much needed kiss. At the last second I stopped myself. I could feel the tears pressing at my throat so much that it was legitimately hard to breathe. I was caught by complete surprise when Gabrielle moved her lips onto mine, finally completing our intense connection, and making us both moan.

My hand moved up to cup Gabrielle's hair while my lips gently returned the unspeakable affection I was feeling coming from the blond.

After our campsite was broken down and packed Gabrielle convinced me that it would be silly to give her a ride back to her house considering that we were so close to it. I walked Gabrielle back to the road. I was shocked to see the blond's house was literally right there. She was smiling as we came to a stop on the road.

Argo stomped impatiently. I patted her neck and returned my attention to Gabrielle. I gave her a small kiss on the side of her lips. So fast that the bard barely manages to purse her lips in response. While she was stunned I got up on top of Argo before returning my gaze to Gabrielle who was touching her lips as she had the night before.

When she finally came back to earth I smiled and said, "Gabrielle, not only will I cherish what we've shared. I'll use it every time I do anything for the greater good. Thank you, for those memories. You'll never know how much I need them."

I watched her face blossom with an amazing smile that I returned in full with one of my own. I steered Argo towards Amphipolis and spurred her into a run. Tears filled my eyes but they couldn't spill over. I leaned forward into the saddle. At the last possible second I turned back to look at Gabrielle from over my shoulder. I was more than a little surprised to see that instead of going home she was following me. I pulled on the reins bringing Argo down to a walk.

I was more than ready to go back and pick up the woman I love when suddenly I spotted the man who had led the slave roundup hiding in the trees with two others. I sent another glance at Gabrielle with a disappointed sigh. Knowing she was safer following from the distance I continued slowly forward.

I smiled when I felt the men following after me. I could hear Gabrielle jump into action behind them as she took off at a run towards the danger. I rolled my eyes and spurred Argo into a gallop. I needed to get some distance from the bard so I could deal with them and get back to watching out for her along her not so solo journey.

'If she makes it to Amphipolis, I'll know she is serious. I'll try one more time to convince her she's not safe with me. After that…Well I am only human.'

The end